Yuan Qingling stole a glance at The Retired Emperor's complexion and saw that the purplish color had faded noticeably and his breathing was much smoother. She heaved a sigh of relief, thinking the old man was temporarily saved.
The Retired Emperor looked at Yuwen Hao, slowly trying to prop himself up. Seeing this, Yuwen Hao immediately stood up to add more pillows behind his back so he could recline.
"My fifth son, I don't seem to have met this daughter-in-law of yours before," said The Retired Emperor. Although he spoke with more vigor than before, his voice was still very weak compared to a healthy person.
Yuwen Hao felt somewhat uncomfortable that after waking up, the first thing Grandfather asked about was this woman.
This past year, The Retired Emperor had been bedridden most of the time. After their wedding, they did pay their respects in the palace, but The Retired Emperor had been indisposed so Yuwen Hao did not take Yuan Qingling to see him.
Yuan Qingling kept her head lowered without speaking or showing any expression.
However, she could feel The Retired Emperor's gaze fixed on her face, probing and scrutinizing her. His eyes seemed to have an extremely penetrating power that wanted to see right through Yuan Qingling.
Having ruled for thirty-eight years in an era when power was highly centralized, The Retired Emperor had cultivated an imposing manner through the sands of time.
"Grandfather, she...has been in poor health, so I didn't bring her to pay respects to you, for fear of infecting you," Yuwen Hao explained.
"I'm already at death's door, what is there to be afraid of catching?" The Retired Emperor laughed, his tone somewhat gentle.
Yuan Qingling slowly raised her head, meeting the sharp light in The Retired Emperor's eyes. She was so frightened that she quickly lowered her head again.
"Grandfather, you must not speak like that. You will recover," said Yuwen Hao, sounding upset.
Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui also said, "Father, you will have good fortune."
The palace maid brought in millet porridge. Gonggong Chang came to serve him, but The Retired Emperor glared at him and said, "Why is it you? I'm not worth having a young one serve me? Look at you with those black eye bags, like a ghost. If I'm not dead yet, seeing you like this could frighten me to death. Go, go, get some rest. With the Concubine Qing here, that will do."
Gonggong Chang had served The Retired Emperor for many years and naturally understood his temper. He also knew His Majesty was considering his health, so with tears welling up, he choked out, "This old slave is not tired. I will serve you here."
"Get out!" The Retired Emperor's temper flared and he started panting. Clutching his chest, he said, "Are you trying to anger me to death?"
Seeing his state, Gonggong Chang's face turned pale with fright. Hurriedly he said, "Yes, yes. This old slave will go. Don't get angry, dear ancestor!"
After Gonggong Chang left, Yuan Qingling still knelt woodenly. The Retired Emperor glared at her again and said, "What is it? Unwilling to serve this old geezer?"
Yuan Qingling immediately stood up, took the bowl from the palace maid, and knelt back down saying, "No, I only...I'm just overwhelmed by the favor."
"Come here, son!" Not wanting her to get near The Retired Emperor, Yuwen Hao wanted to personally feed him.
The Retired Emperor cocked his droopy eyes and said, "What is it? Reluctant to let your daughter-in-law serve your grandfather?"
"No...of course not!" Yuwen Hao lowered his hand. He felt very awkward inside. Although he knew it was the truth, he still did not really want others to address Yuan Qingling as his wife.
Wife and imperial concubine were just titles, but to him, there was a big difference.
Yuan Qingling knelt upright and fed The Retired Emperor a spoonful.
After swallowing it, The Retired Emperor exhaled and raised his droopy eyes. "Mm, to be able to taste the flavors of the mortal world again, I did not expect that."
Hearing this, Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui also grew misty-eyed.
"Sit by the bed and serve me," The Retired Emperor said.
Yuan Qingling smiled wryly. How could she sit now when she was in pain?
"This granddaughter-in-law does not dare. I will kneel."
"I told you to sit, so sit!" The Retired Emperor glared again.
Yuan Qingling had no choice but to shakily stand up and gingerly sit down. Although the bed was padded with soft blankets, when her weight sank down, there was still piercing pain. Her whole body trembled slightly from the agony.
Yuwen Hao was right beside her and could feel her trembling.
The Ambrosia Soup had lost its effectiveness.
His gaze darkened as complex feelings welled up inside.
After feeding half a bowl of porridge, Yuan Qingling was drenched in sweat from the pain. She could only reassure herself that sweating was good when feverish.
The Retired Emperor could not eat anymore and waved his hand to indicate Yuan Qingling should stop.
Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui looked over and seeing he had eaten about half a bowl, both heaved a sigh of relief.
The Imperial Physician also breathed easier.
After resting a moment, The Retired Emperor looked at Yuan Qingling and said, "You served well. Stay by my side these next few days and attend to my illness."
This was exactly what Yuan Qingling had been waiting for. She lowered herself again into a kneel and said, "Yes!"
Although Emperor Ming Yuan wanted to object, seeing how pleased The Retired Emperor was, he let it be.
Yuwen Hao suddenly looked up in disbelief at The Retired Emperor, then at Yuan Qingling. He said, "I will be here to attend to Grandfather as well."
Emperor Ming Yuan's expression darkened. "Foolishness!"
Realizing his mistake, Yuwen Hao lowered his eyes and said, "Your son misspoke!"
Yuan Qingling also understood why Emperor Ming Yuan was suddenly angered.
She knew a bit about this dynasty's situation from the original host's memories. After a little organizing, she understood why Emperor Ming Yuan was mad.
The crown prince's position had not been established yet, and The Retired Emperor had the most authority to determine the crown prince candidate. Emperor Ming Yuan must have thought Yuwen Hao had ambitions for the crown prince's position, which was why he wanted to stay in the Qian Kun Hall to attend to The Retired Emperor.
The misunderstanding Yuwen Hao suffered under Emperor Ming Yuan did not make Yuan Qingling feel guilty at all. This man...was truly detestable.
The Retired Emperor smoothed things over by saying mildly, "If you are truly filial, then coming to pay respects every day will suffice."
"Yes!" Yuwen Hao bowed in acquiescence.
Those outside the hall were shocked speechless when they heard Yuan Qingling was kept alone in the Qian Kun Hall to attend to The Retired Emperor.
Chu Mingcui lowered her eyes and smiled gently. "As long as Grandfather is well, who attends to him is the same."
But the others did not think so. Close proximity was advantageous—who didn't understand that truth? With Grandfather ill in bed, if he gained Imperial Concubine Qing's attentive care, he would surely look on Fifth Prince differently.
When Yuwen Hao came out, everyone looked at him strangely. Prince Ji had always been arrogant. He gave a cold laugh and said harshly, "Quite the scheme, Fifth Brother!"
Yuwen Hao's expression darkened. "I don't understand what First Brother means. Please clarify."
Prince Ji sneered. "You know in your heart."
Having said that, he left with his concubine.
Seeing Prince Ji leave, the others also dispersed in pairs and threes. Prince Qi came to comfort Yuwen Hao, saying, "Eldest Brother always speaks without thinking. Fifth Brother, don't take it to heart."
Yuwen Hao glanced at Prince Qi. Chu Mingcui stood quietly by Prince Qi's side. The two looked quite well matched. Feeling even more stifled, Yuwen Hao didn't even bother with Prince Qi and stalked off.
Prince Qi smiled. "Even I have incurred Fifth Brother's resentment."
Chu Mingcui mused, "It's probably to disguise things."
Prince Qi waved a hand. "Fifth Brother is not that kind of person. Let's go pay respects to Mother."
Chu Mingcui lowered her eyes, hiding her suspicions.
